41​.​ ALPINALE Kurzfilmestival in Bludenz

When the Remise square transforms into an open-air cinema, it's ALPINALE time again. From August 11 to 15, the short film festival in its 41st edition presents a diverse program of international productions, regional works, and innovative film formats – making Bludenz once again the venue for special cinematic experiences.

When the city becomes a cinema
What has characterized ALPINALE for decades is its special ability to connect people through moving images. Even in 2026, Bludenz will become a place where creative ideas, cultural diversity, and cinematic perspectives converge for five days. Each evening, the Remise square transforms into an open meeting space for filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and interested parties.
The interest in this year's edition is once again great: More than 1,300 productions from 94 countries have been submitted. From this impressive diversity arises a program that makes the various facets of short films visible – from international short feature films to animations and VR works, as well as children's and horror films, and regional productions related to Vorarlberg.
This year's jury for the categories "International Short Feature Film" and "Animation" consists of Brigitte Hofer, Christian Nickel, and Jeanne Werner. For the special programs "v-shorts," "Horror," and "VR-shorts," Ben Nicholson, Ricarda Saleh, and Stefan Schimek are responsible.

Diversity on the screen
The heart of ALPINALE is the international competition. Daily from 8:30 p.m., selected short films from around the world are on the program, inviting audiences to discover new storytelling methods, themes, and visual languages. Screenings take place outdoors at the Remise square in nice weather, and in the Stadtsaal Bludenz in bad weather.
In the category "International Short Feature Film," productions such as A Stable for Horses (Australia, directed by Davie Paterson), Last Night Stand (Canada, directed by Pierre-Luc Gosselin and Béatrice Blais), and Dandelion (USA, directed by Fiona Obertinca) will be shown. The films tackle different societal and personal themes, reflecting the wide range of international short films.

Additionally, the festival offers a diverse program in various categories throughout the entire week. This includes the "VR-shorts," which enable innovative and immersive film experiences, as well as the "v-shorts," which highlight filmmakers from Vorarlberg and productions with regional relevance.
Young film enthusiasts can look forward to their own children's program. For those seeking thrills, this year's popular horror focus has been expanded to two evenings for the first time. After being shown on one night previously, fans of the genre can now enjoy international genre films full of tension, atmosphere, and eerie imagery on Thursday and Friday. The program is curated once again by Jürgen Schacherl.

Regarding the thematic focuses of this year's program, festival director Manuela Mylonas states: "Many of the stories take place in the small or the private and talk about tensions, silence, power, closeness, and what often only becomes visible in our society when it has already escalated."

With its mix of international competition, regional anchorage, and personal atmosphere, the ALPINALE short film festival remains an important meeting point for filmmakers and audiences alike. For five days, Bludenz will be a place for extraordinary stories, new perspectives, and the unique power of short films.